YouTube Illinois Face Blur Privacy Class Action BIPA Settlement
By Steve Levine
Published: August 28, 2025
Claim Deadline: November 30, 2025
Payout Award: $200
Proof Required: Yes
What is this class action about?
A $6,022,500 class action settlement has been reached with YouTube, LLC and Google LLC. The lawsuit claimed the Face Blur feature involved biometric data collection in violation of Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act. YouTube and Google deny the allegations and state Face Blur is a privacy protective feature. However, they have agreed to settle for $6 million as this avoids the cost and uncertainty of continued litigation.
YouTube Face Blur is a built-in editing feature in YouTube Studio that relies on AI to identify faces in uploaded videos. It allows creators to choose which faces to obscure, apply a blur that follows their movements, and save the edits directly to the video without the need to upload it again. The tool is designed to help protect privacy or hide individuals who should not appear on screen.
What is the Total Settlement Amount?
The total Class Action Settlement Fund is $6,022,500.
How Do I Qualify For a Payout?
You may be eligible if you lived in Illinois and uploaded a video to YouTube on which Face Blur was run.
How Much Can I Get?
Approved claimants will receive an estimated $200, subject to a pro rata adjustment based on the number of valid claims and court-approved deductions from the fund. Payments can be sent by check or electronically through Zelle, PayPal, or direct deposit.When Will I Be Paid?
The Final Approval Hearing is set for December 30, 2025. If the Court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved, payments are expected to be distributed about two months after entry of the Final Approval Order.How Do I File a Claim?
Submit a Claim Form by November 30, 2025.What time period does the settlement cover?
The Settlement Class includes Illinois residents who uploaded a YouTube video on which the Face Blur tool was run at any time from the launch of the feature through the date of preliminary approval of the settlement. The precise dates are listed in the official Settlement Agreement and Notice.Do I need to have lived in Illinois when Face Blur was run?
Yes. You must have been residing in Illinois at the time you uploaded a video and used the Face Blur feature in order to qualify as a Settlement Class Member.How do I know if Face Blur was run on my video?
If you used YouTube’s built-in Face Blur editing tool on an uploaded video, that video qualifies. If you are unsure, you can check your YouTube Studio editing history or contact the Settlement Administrator for guidance.- Online: Settlement Website
- By Mail: YouTube Biometric Privacy Settlement Administrator - Check the link above for their mailing address.
Official Notice
Submit Claim
Sources
• Official Settlement WebsiteFiling Class Action Settlement Claims
This is a news article for informational purposes. OpenClassActions.com is not the settlement administrator or a law firm. For help with your claim, contact the administrator or Class Counsel above.
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| Settlement Summary | |
| Status | Preliminarily Approved |
|---|---|
| Claim Form Deadline | November 30, 2025 |
| Settlement Amount | $6,022,500 Common Fund |
| Settlement Category | Privacy / Biometric |
| Estimated Payout per Person | About $200 per valid claim (pro rata) |
| Proof Required | Yes |
| Exclusion Deadline | December 9, 2025 |
| Objection Deadline | December 9, 2025 |
| Final Approval Hearing | December 30, 2025 |
| Case Number | 3:22-cv-06987-JD |
| Case Title | Colombo v. YouTube, LLC and Google LLC |
| Settlement Website | Settlement Website |
| Settlement Administrator | Verita |